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El Paso and Schneider Electric’s Two-Decade Partnership

El Paso, Texas is proud of its business-friendly atmosphere and ability to attract and sustain world-class companies. In fact, El Paso has been actively working to grow its advanced manufacturing sector and ranks fifth in North America for manufacturing hubs with the highest employment. 

Partnering with Schneider Electric, a global leader in energy management and automation, is part of El Paso’s long-term vision to develop a community where both companies and residents flourish.

A Legacy of Successful Public-Private Partnership 

Schneider Electric has been part of the El Paso community since 2001. Our El Paso manufacturing campus is the company’s largest manufacturing footprint in the U.S., with more than 2,000 employees. El Paso has the skilled workforce needed to build specialized products, partly thanks to its top-notch engineering schools. Schneider Electric partners with local higher education institutions, including the University of Texas at El Paso, New Mexico State University, Western Technical College, Southwest University, and El Paso Community College, to develop and recruit local talent. 

In 2023, Schneider Electric completed construction on a new 160,000-square-foot manufacturing plant in El Paso as part of a $100 million regional investment, adding approximately 400 new jobs. The factory produces low-voltage and medium-voltage electrical products for use in distributing electricity from the utility grid to industrial, commercial, and residential settings. 

A fifth plant currently under construction will create 300 jobs as part of Schneider Electric’s push to modernize and expand its electric equipment manufacturing facilities. Expanding the company’s existing campus in El Paso to keep up with growing demand for switchgear and power distribution products is a key component of that investment. The new addition is part of a $300 million U.S. manufacturing investment Schneider Electric has made to support customers who will use the electrical equipment produced in it, contributing to the advancement of the energy transition and the build out of America's infrastructure. 

“Schneider Electric’s continued investment solidifies El Paso as a strategic hub for its operations, underscoring a long-term commitment to our region,” said County Judge Ricardo Samaniego. “This expansion reflects the strength of our workforce, the resilience of our economy, and the county’s dedication to fostering an environment where businesses can thrive. We are proud to support Schneider Electric as they grow, creating new opportunities and reinforcing El Paso’s role as a leader in innovation and industry.” 

A Community Partner Beyond the Factory Floor 

Schneider Electric’s extensive footprint in El Paso, as one of the largest employers in the region, underscores the company’s commitment to promoting sustainable growth and innovation. This commitment reaches beyond Schneider Electric’s manufacturing and business interests; it's about impacting the communities in which the company operates and designing a better future together.

Schneider Electric’s strong relationships with community partners have created a lasting positive impact in El Paso, earning recognition from local leaders and organizations alongside more than $1 billion invested in the community. Examples include: 

  • Annual school supply and backpack drives with local schools, the Housing Authority, and Senator Blanco’s office (in 2024 alone, Schneider Electric donated over 300 backpacks to elementary school students in Canutillo ISD) 

  • Yearly participation in Chalk the Block Arts Festival, Earth Day events, and health and career fairs

  • Sponsorship of "Schneider Day" at the El Paso Chihuahuas baseball stadium

Municipal Infrastructure Modernization Initiative

In January 2025, El Paso County and Schneider Electric officially launched a sweeping municipal infrastructure modernization initiative across 30 county facilities. These improvements are slated to deliver increased energy and cost efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, and improve the lives of El Paso County's residents.

Construction is expected to be completed in 2027. This multi-phase project will begin by addressing critical infrastructure needs, including:

  • Upgrades to the mechanical plant at the Courthouse
  • Enhancements to the building automation system at the Courthouse
  • Water efficiency improvements at the Jail Annex and Downtown Detention Center
  • County-wide installation of energy-efficient LED lighting

Schneider Electric helped El Paso County overcome numerous challenges in executing this project. For example, the initiative will be funded through an energy savings performance contract (ESPC). Through this innovative partnership, the projected annual savings in the first year alone are expected to be over $1 million, reaching $40 million over a 20-year span. These savings will be strategically reinvested into the county to support its long-term goals.  

Other challenges Schneider Electric has helped El Paso County solve include: 

  • $17M+ in annual utility and water costs
  • $10M in deferred capital needs at the County Courthouse
  • 40+ facilities lacking adequate maintenance staffing
  • No centralized asset or capital planning system
  • Diverse stakeholder needs across county operations

Positive Economic and Environmental Impact 

Energy and water conservation were major priorities for El Paso County, forming the foundation of initial project development efforts. After working together to complete a comprehensive facility audit, Schneider Electric and El Paso County identified key opportunities to significantly reduce resource usage. In the first phase, El Paso County is projected to reduce annual energy use by 23% and save 48 million gallons of water every year, reducing water waste by 25%.

This initiative is also expected to cut CO2 emissions by 11,872 tons annually. That’s the equivalent of:

  • Taking 2,698 cars off the road every year

  • Planting 3,670 acres of trees annually

Ultimately, the project will lead to significant reductions in energy and operational costs and provide financial savings that create new revenue streams for El Paso County. One of the reasons this project gained momentum is that it required minimal initial capital outlay, preserving county funds for other critical areas without incurring debt.  

Additionally, the project prioritizes partnerships by using county-approved local contractors and suppliers to keep investment in the community. This approach both supports area businesses and ensures the county achieves the best long-term value. 

A Playbook for Other Cities 

The El Paso projects illustrate how trust-based collaboration between Schneider Electric, El Paso County, and the broader community has enabled large-scale investment, creative financing, and visible community impact across jobs, infrastructure, and regional identity. By aligning economic development goals with municipal modernization, El Paso has leveraged private sector investment and community partnerships to generate both immediate and lasting returns. Other cities can replicate this model by collaborating with Schneider Electric to identify infrastructure upgrades, implement cost-saving strategies, and foster stronger ties with local institutions. This approach provides a proven pathway to resilient economic growth and community well-being. 

El Paso’s success shows what’s possible when local governments and industry leaders work together toward a shared vision. If you're ready to explore what’s possible for your community, reach out to a Schneider Electric expert and start the conversation today.